Awakening: Understanding Fasting As A Spiritual Discipline

We’re excited to be in our new series, Awakening.

Last Sunday, we began with the powerful vision in Ezekiel 37, where God breathes life into a valley of dry bones. It’s a reminder that God is able to bring life where things feel dry, stagnant, or spiritually asleep.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore practical ways we can experience spiritual renewal in our lives. This Sunday (March 8th), we’ll talk about fasting, a spiritual practice that helps us make space for God in our lives.

For those who are planning to start a fast as part of this series, we wanted to provide a bit of background and some practical guidance.

WHAT IS FASTING?

Fasting is an ancient spiritual practice found throughout the Bible. While it is ancient, it is not outdated. It remains a meaningful and powerful spiritual discipline for believers today.

At its core, fasting is about creating space for God.

It means intentionally setting something aside - often food, but sometimes other things that occupy our attention - so we can give more time and focus to God. Fasting helps cut through distractions and reminds us of our dependence on Him.

Jesus affirmed that fasting would remain part of the spiritual life of His followers. But today we do not fast out of mourning. Instead, we fast to draw near to God, to seek renewal, and to make room for His work in our lives.

During periods of fasting, it is important that you do not simply remove something from your life and replace it with another distraction. The goal is to remove something so that you can intentionally make more room for God. That might mean spending more time in prayer, reading Scripture, reflecting, or simply sitting quietly before God. If we remove something but fill the space with another distraction, we miss the heart of fasting.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO FAST

There isn’t just one way to fast. Scripture and Christian tradition show that there are several approaches. The important thing is choosing a form of fasting that helps you genuinely seek God.

Here are a few options to consider:

1. A One-Day Water Fast

One common form of fasting in the Bible is a 24-hour fast from food, drinking only water. This is often done from dinner one day until dinner the next day.

While some people fast longer, a one-day fast is usually a good starting point if you’ve never fasted before.

2. The Daniel Fast

Another common approach is the Daniel Fast, based on the examples found in the book of Daniel. In this fast, people eat only fruit, vegetables, and drink water, removing richer foods and other comforts.

In the book of Daniel, we see two different lengths for the fast: a 10-day period and a 21-day period. Many Christians choose one of these time periods when doing a Daniel fast.

3. A Partial Fast

Another option is to remove something from your life that you highly value or depend on regularly.

This might include things like:

• Sugar or sweets

• Coffee

• TV or streaming

• News 

• Gaming

The goal is to remove something that normally occupies space in your life so that you can intentionally refocus that time and attention on God.

4. A Social Media or Technology Fast

In our modern world, this may be one of the most powerful forms of fasting. Our lives are filled with constant noise and distraction - social media, news feeds, YouTube, notifications, and endless scrolling.

When I fast, I often include a technology or social media fast alongside other forms of fasting. Stepping away from platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube can free up an incredible amount of time and mental space. But again, the goal isn’t simply disconnecting. It’s using that space for prayer, Scripture, and listening to God.

CHOOSING YOUR FAST

As you consider fasting during this series, choose something that is meaningful and intentional. A fast shouldn’t simply be something that is easy or convenient. It should involve giving up something that normally takes up time, energy, or attention in your life.

Decide:

• What will you fast

• How long will you fast

• How will you intentionally use that time to seek God

Some people may fast for a day. Others for 10, 21 or even 40 days. Some may fast from certain foods, while others may fast from social media or technology.

The goal is not the specific method. The goal is to make space for God.

As we continue in the Awakening series and move toward Easter, we invite you to consider beginning a fast. Take some time this week to pray, decide what your fast will look like, and prepare your heart for it.

God has a way of meeting us when we intentionally make space for Him! And sometimes the very things we set aside are the things that were quietly crowding Him out.